subs. (prison).—1. A punishment cell. For synonyms, see CLINCH.
2. (nautical).—Money. Especially given to a Spanish coin formerly current in Ireland, worth about 4s. 8d. Also the name still given at Gibraltar to a Spanish dollar.
1805. Plymouth Newspaper of Feb. 24, quoted in ‘Autobiography of a Seaman,’ by Earl of Dundonald, vol. I., ch. x., p. 174. His Lordship sent word to Plymouth that, if ever it was in his power he would fulfil his public advertisement (stuck up here) for entering seamen, of filling their pockets with Spanish ‘pewter’ and ‘COBS,’ nicknames given by seamen to ingots and dollars.
3. (Winchester College).—A hard hit at cricket. Of modern introduction. Cf., BARTER.
Verb (schoolboys’).—1. To detect, catch, etc.
2. (popular).—To humbug; deceive; TO GAMMON (q.v.).
3. To hit hard.—See subs., sense 3.
